Use

Investigating primary aldosteronism (eg, adrenal adenoma/carcinoma and adrenal cortical hyperplasia) and secondary aldosteronism (renovascular disease, salt depletion, potassium loading, cardiac failure with ascites, pregnancy, Bartter syndrome) using 24‑hour urine collections. Urinary aldosterone excretion greater than 12 mcg/24 hours as part of an aldosterone suppression test is consistent with hyperaldosteronism. Aldosterone stimulates sodium transport across cell membranes, particularly in the distal renal tubule... under physiologic conditions, pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone can stimulate aldosterone secretion; the renin‑angiotensin system is the primary regulator. Urinary aldosterone levels are inversely correlated with urinary sodium excretion. Primary hyperaldosteronism is characterized by hypertension with increased aldosterone levels, hypernatremia, and hypokalemia; secondary hyperaldosteronism also shows elevated aldosterone and increased plasma renin activity.